The Beginning is Always Today

It's hard to imagine that I set out on the start of my blogging adventure almost four years ago.  Focused on a joy for writing and entering into a new instructional coaching role, I sought ways to reflect within my new role as well as share my reflections with others. Change can be scary, yet also full of possibilities and excitement.  

My thought process with this blog being maybe - just maybe - I could connect with others who could relate to my experiences, and we could be in the trenches of life together, regardless of how many miles separated us. While this process has required a level of vulnerability to share writing with a global audience, it has also served as means of growth and new found relationships with some kind and compassionate individuals. We are part of a writing community and connect through our words and shared stories. 

With a fresh, updated look (and name!) to this blog, I look forward to sharing more stories with you in the days ahead.  I have been fortunate to share some posts recently through the Collaborate.Lead.Coach and TeachBoost community. I sincerely thank them for the opportunity to share my reflections on their blogs.  

Thank you for being part of my journey, 

Lauren 

Day 31: Time Flies When You’re Having Fun #SOL18

Time flies when you’re having fun. This is applicable in many ways this evening. One, whenever I’m on a break from school, the days run together, especially when you add in a beach getaway. I’m OK with that- means relaxation is in full effect (and we are really out of routine- haha). Two, it means that I honestly can’t believe the month of March has come and gone just like that- which means this year’s Slice of Life Challenge has come to an end. I’ve written daily for the past month, and it feels amazing. Writing has become part of life again, and it feels good to have a feeling like I was just getting started rather than thank goodness this is over. This journey is FAR from over, and yet, year two of this challenge comes to a close for this writer. Yes, I will say the same thing I said thirty one days ago- I am a writer. Thank you to this community for the opportunity to lay my writing out on the table, no matter what my mindset may have been that day. This community stretches, uplifts, and grows its writers. Thank you for being part of my story. I look forward to year three next year with new ideas and endless possibilities.

Day 30: Slow #SOL18

When I went to pick my one word for the 2018 year, I went back and forth for some time as I decided what that word should be for myself. When I ended on “slow”, I knew this word would keep me grounded, yet also provide challenge. Slow gives us the grace to pause and take in the small moments all around us. I tend to go, go, go; however, slow gives that reminder to pump the brakes every once in awhile. This spring break has meant revisiting my word of slow. Everything is slowed when you are on vacation. I’ve read lots, played with my kiddos, and spent dual time between the beach and pool. It’s been nice to just embrace slow. I need these gentle nudges as I continue to balance moments of slow in a world full of busy.

Day 29: This is Bliss #SOL18

It’s not every day where you can spend eight straight hours at a beach with a cloudless sky, perfect temperature, and a calm breeze. Add in four overjoyed children and a good read, and it makes a day that is purely bliss. We played and swam right up until we said our final goodnight to the sun. This is bliss. There were so many moments today where I had to stop and just take in the moment. We all may sleep a little more soundly tonight, yet how it was worth it to be in this blissful day today. 

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Day 28: Kodak Moments #sol18

That commercial still rings through my head. Those Kodak moments. It's funny how a picture can quickly turn into a memory maker as well as a tradition. I’ve shared my love for sunrises and sunsets, so it’s no surprise that I would take pictures of my children in front of a beautiful background of vibrant pinks and oranges. I randomly snapped a picture of them standing at the water’s edge staring at the sunset several years ago. The next year, I did the same. It quickly became one of my favorite pictures to capture when we were at the beach. I not only see the beauty from a sunset, but I also get to enjoy seeing my littles continue to grow into not so littles. This picture tugs at my heart strings for so many reasons. I love having this time with them and look forward to sharing our memories someday that are spurred through our family photos. Thankful for my children and thankful for a chance to sit in awe of nature’s beauty. This is my Kodak moment.

Day 27: Hello Old Friend #SOL18

It’s not every day that I’m greeted enthusiastically by my children at 4:30am, but this morning was Tuesday of spring break and Tuesday meant it was travel day! I wish they were this eager to get up on school days.  Although the first day is always a long day due to travel, we made it back to our home away from home in Florida. Of course, there was some obligatory swimming once we settled in this afternoon. I’m sure this trip will fuel some of my future slices as we begin to near the end of the slice of life challenge. Until then, it’s time to sign off for now and get some sleep. Ready to hit the beach tomorrow.

Day 26: Reset and Recharge #SOL18

We are t-minus under 24 hours until we set off for our home away from home - otherwise known as our happy place.  We are looking forward to the salty air, sunshine, sand, and warm weather.  The kids are looking forward to endless swimming, collecting shells, building sandcastles, and pretending they are mermaids.  I am looking forward to family time, beautiful sunsets, reading, running on the beach, and enjoying the bountiful sunshine. While I will still continue my daily writing through the Slice of Life Challenge, I am taking some time to go off the grid.

We all reset and recharge in different ways, yet regardless of how we do it, it is important to be mindful of taking time when it is needed. It does not mean you always have to jet off to a beach, but rather, taking some time to do things you enjoy and will help you reset to move forward.  So while I will take today to pack seemingly endless amounts of underwear and clothes, there are also books, moments of quiet reflection, and endless memory making that await in the days ahead.

What helps YOU recharge?